Horner satisfied with Verstappen and Red Bull: 'No one predicted that'

In the end, Max Verstappen just missed out on winning the Australian GP behind Lando Norris, after the safety car caused by Fernando Alonso neutralised the race. Aftewards, Red Bull team principal was happy with Max Verstappen's performance in the rain.

"Good first lap, managed to pass Oscar, but the McLarens at that time in the race were super, super strong and they started to pull out a gap. But then the rain came. I think we made the right calls to get onto the slicks at the right time and then we took a slight gamble to try and get the overcut. Nearly worked," the team principal began to Viaplay.

After the final restart, the defending world champion could stay close to his title rival. In the end, the gap was less then two seconds after at one point, Verstappen trailed the two McLaren cars by 16. "And then the restart that sat last six laps was so exciting and Max very, very nearly stole it off Lando in the last two laps. So it was a good start to the season," Horner added.

Asked about whether Verstappen could have overtaken Norris if the race lasted longer, Horner did not tell. However, he was happy with the eventual result. I think it was really encouraging that on race one, we were fighting very hard to win the race. A lot of people didn't predict that. So yes, positive start," he concluded.

After finishing second, Verstappen has lost his streak of leading the drivers' championship for the most time ever in the competition. The Formula 1 season will continue with the Chinese GP, where a Sprint will also be hosted.

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube